Search

Shortcuts

Glossary

Indications

This approach is used for intraarticular fractures of the fifth metacarpal base, fracture dislocations of the fifth carpo-metacarpal joint, and for tendon avulsion fractures of the extensor carpi ulnaris.
This approach can also be used for the rare displaced extraarticular fractures of the fifth metacarpal base.

Surgical anatomy

The extensor tendons of the little finger converge slightly towards the center of the wrist joint.
The dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve and longitudinal veins must be protected.
The insertion of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon is onto the ulnar side of the fifth metacarpal base.

Skin incision

Retract extensor tendons

The extensor tendons are retracted radially together with the surrounding loose connective tissue.
The dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve is retracted to the ulnar side, possibly together with the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon.